Strength for Summer

On June 1, my hubby loaded up the car and traveled 15 hours to the University of North Dakota – to spend the entire summer taking linguistics courses that would prepare him to better serve in his new role with Wycliffe Bible Translators.

After photos, hugs, several goodbyes, and waves, I gathered our five children around and cried silent tears as we walked back into the house. This was the day that I had been dreading for months. Me, alone, with our five kids – I knew that groceries, bedtime, meal prep and clean up, discipline, etc. all fell on me. I felt weak and incapable, and at the very beginning, somewhat fearful.

It was a challenging summer – for all of us.

BUT GOD gave us the strength we needed each day to make it through.

As I await for my husband to return, I am flipping through my gratitude journal and reading the 185+ recorded thanks to God that span the time frame he was gone. Some of the thanks look like this….

Friends praying for us and calling to check on me (even on day 1!)

Hearing our kids thank and pray to God before bed (our implementation of ‘2 thanks and a prayer’ before bed each night)

Grandmas (I think our moms are wonder women. They swoop in, make the kids happy, magically make the dishes disappear, and relieve this mama’s stress. They just work without their capes!)

Singing songs of God’s faithfulness during worship at church

An oldest daughter’s gentle hug when tears come

Ms. Becca infusing energy and a highlight to the kids’ weeks

Neighbors and friends being willing to help out with the yard

Speaking Truth to myself throughout the day

Rare one on one time with each of the kids

Time at spray parks and with family friends

Friends praying for our 4 year old and offering to help when her temp was extremely high

Swim lessons and fun with friends at the pool

Cooking lessons with Lynda (for the girls and some of their friends!)

God – my refuge and strength

Little buddy and his love for the ‘Flintstone’ car (Yes, even inside the house on this hot, hot, summer day!)

Seeing my husband through Skype, smiling and enjoying the interactions with our kids

When I take my eyes off of myself and put them on my amazing God – my fears flip to confidence.

Yes! My fears turned to confidence – not in my own abilities as I am still weak. However, I saw my fears fade as my confidence grew in Him! For it is His strength and dignity that clothes my weaknesses.

As I reflect upon this summer, Christ’s grace, presence, and sustaining powerful hand is evident.

Comments

What a beautiful remembrance of God’s strength sustaining you this summer, as well as all the memories that you were able to put together in Chris’ time away. I’m just inspired on so many levels…thank you.